And the best library in Oklahoma is....

Muskogee Phoenix | Library named best in Oklahoma

Jan Bryant got her wish. When she started in 1999 as head librarian at Muskogee Public Library, she decided she wanted it to become the best library in the state.

The readers of Oklahoma Living magazine recently voted for Muskogee’s library to hold that title. Bryant said she originally imagined getting an award from someone like a library association, but she had no complaints about this kind of recognition for her staff.

“Best library” was one of eight categories in which readers voted. The monthly magazine has a circulation of 310,000 and is published by the state’s electric cooperatives.

“The best thing we offer is good service,” Bryant said. “And that’s possible because of our good staff. That’s probably the key.”

Betty Himes, adult services librarian, said every day at the library brings something new and unexpected.

“We see working professional people, mothers who are home schooling, kids who need a safe place after school, and the homeless,” she said. “These books belong to the community.”

Himes attributed much of the library’s success to her co-workers.

“It’s as nice a group of people as I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “It’s a delight to be part of an organization that has an attitude you can buy into.”...

Muskogee says support adult literacy

The MuskogeePhoenix has an article about adult literacy, Literacy column: Support adult literacy with donations:

...Since we worked together to support childhood literacy, let’s now turn our attention to increasing resources and support for adult literacy. Our state’s literacy organization has discovered a way to raise money for Oklahoma Literacy efforts without asking you to give one cent. In fact, not only can you help raise funds for literacy, you can get rid of the outdated, unused supply of old cell phones, video games, and other such items that are taking up valuable space in your home, office and life. The donated equipment will be sold to EcoPhones for recycling and all the proceeds will benefit the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Donations may be dropped off at the Muskogee Public Library from now until Oct. 24. The following items can be donated; cell phones, ink jet printer cartridges, DVD movies and video games, portable DVD players, laptop computers, MP3 players, X-Boxes, Sony Playstations, Wii, digital cameras, digital video cameras, digital picture frames, portable navigation and GPS devices such as Garmin, Magellan or Tom-Tom. The Oklahoma Literacy Coalition will earn cash for every item, guaranteed. This includes damaged and non-working items, also...

If you find that interesting you may want to check out ODL's Literacy Resource Office.

Job Posting | Muskogee

Library Branch Manager-
Grove Public Library.

40 hrs. per week, includes some evenings and Saturdays.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, library and computer work experience, and experience developing programs for library users of all ages. Prefer demonstrated performance in a management position and library coursework.

Duties include managing the library building, staff, and collection using professional principles of the library field. Manager will oversee the successful long term and daily operation of the library including awareness and use of the library facility, staff supervision and training, financial transactions and successful development of good relationships with governmental officials, library friends and volunteers. Salary negotiable depending on level of experience and library education, minimum $25,327 plus excellent benefits.

Applications are available at the Grove library or any other EODLS library but must be returned to: Eastern OK District Library System Attn: Grove opening 814 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401 Applications will be accepted until the job is filled.

Muskogee highlights Nancy Calhoun

Muskogee Phoenix | History and Genealogy | Welcome, Nancy Calhoun, Librarian

Nancy Calhoun knew that her love was leading her down a road less traveled. For thirty-five years she researched her ancestry with determination. She just never expected to marry her love with her career.

Then one day she heard about the job opening in Muskogee. Undaunted by the possible damage to her ego if she was not accepted, Nancy submitted her resume anyhow. When she learned that the job was hers, Nancy made all of the adjustments Americans are famous for. She was changing her career, her home town and her co-workers...

Job Posting | Muskogee

Connors State College (Warner – Muskogee, Oklahoma) has a position opening for full-time librarian. See attached position description. The position description is also on Connors’ web page at http://www.connorsstate.edu/ under the “Employment” link that is beneath the picture. Employment applications are also available under the “Employment” link. Applications should be submitted as directed on the web page.

Connors State College is a two-year, public junior/community college located in Warner, a small, rural community of approximately 1,400. There is a branch campus approximately 20 miles north in Muskogee, a city of approximately 38,000 population. Headcount enrollment at Connors is around 2,000.

Applicants must possess a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program. Community college experience is preferred but not required. Preferred experience includes knowledge of and experience with integrated library management systems – circulation (Voyager), OCLC, MS Office, etc., and a working knowledge of all aspects of library operations including administration and supervision.

Start date for this position is scheduled for July 1, 2007.

Position Description

Position: Librarian, 12-month position, Connors State College, Warner – Muskogee, OK.

Reports to: Director of the Library Learning Center

Position Classification: Professional Staff

1. Qualifications -




1. Educational Background:

Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program

1. Experience:

A minimum of three years of significant library experience. Relevant leadership or supervisory experience preferred. Community college experience preferred.

C. Special Skills or Requirements:

1. Evidence of leadership skills.
2. Evidence of a strong user-centered public service philosophy.
3. Evidence of effective communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of academic library operations and services.
5. Knowledge of and experience with current and emerging library and instructional technologies, including distance learning.
6. Experience with integrated library management systems (Voyager preferred).
7. Demonstrated proficiency in budgeting, resource management and staff supervision.
8. Demonstrated experience in library outreach and promotion of services.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to community college education.
10. Demonstrated ability to foster a positive and collegial library environment as well as the ability to work with all constituencies.
11. Demonstrated ability to work with and collaborate effectively with faculty, students and staff.
12. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and to the role of the community college as an “open door” educational institution.
13. Demonstrated teaching/instructional skills.

2. General Function -

The librarian, under the supervision of and in coordination with, the Director of the Library Learning Center, will be responsible for all aspects of campus library services including the overall leadership, administration, operation, development and assessment of the Westbrook Library Learning Center.

• Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following, in cooperation and in coordination with, the Director of the Library Learning Center:


• Coordinates all aspects of campus library services, including materials selection, collection maintenance, cataloging, interlibrary loan, reference, circulation, staff and student training.


• Provides leadership and overall management for the library within the framework of the College’s mission and goals.


• Maintains a close working relationship with all aspects of the campus community to support the curricular and information needs of the college.


• Responsible for recruitment, development, supervision and evaluation of all paraprofessional library staff and student employees.


• Prepares an annual budget for the library.


• Plans for the library’s future, including annual and long-range strategic planning.


• Conducts continuous assessment and continuous improvement of all library services, resources and facilities.


• Coordinates all current and emerging library technologies and networked information services and resources, including the library web site.


• Responsible for library facilities management.


• Develops and implements library policies and procedures in collaboration with library staff and appropriate college personnel, advisory groups and outside agencies.


• Prepares reports and other information for local, state and national agencies relative to library services.


• Advocates and promotes the library.


• Serves on college committees and represents the college at appropriate local, state, and regional professional meetings and organizations.


• Actively pursues professional growth and development and encourages paraprofessional library staff to pursue educational opportunities.


• Coordinates and maintains a current inventory of library collections at all campus locations.


• Serves as a resource and reference person for instructors and students.


• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director of the Library Learning Center and the Vice-President for Academic Services.

Job Posting | Muskogee

Small Branch Coordinator, Eastern Oklahoma District Library System.

The Eastern Oklahoma District Library System is looking for a Small Branch Coordinator, 40 hrs. per week, includes some evenings and Saturdays. Officed in Muskogee, expectation of travel throughout the Library District at least 3/5ths of scheduled work time.

Qualifications: Library management experience and computer experience required. Master's degree in library science or equivalent preferred. Three years of managerial experience. Proven experience developing programs and activities for all age groups.
Position will supervise three small libraries, planning and executing program activities, selecting and ordering materials collection for each library, hiring and working with subordinate staff to produce and promote a complete library program in each of EODLS's smallest communities.

Salary range: $15 - $17 per hr. Excellent benefits; including health and life insurance, holidays, vacation and sick leave.

To apply: Applications available at the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System, 814 W. Okmulgee, Muskogee, OK 74401. Applications will be accepted until May 4, 2007.